Ancient Live Oaks ~ Historic Plantations ~ Boneyard Beaches ~ Shrimp Boats ~ Lowcountry Landscapes

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Old South's coastal landscapes. Join me on a journey through the enchanting heart of the Lowcountry, where timeless Live Oak tunnels draped in Spanish moss lead you to hidden historic plantations, pristine boneyard beaches, and quiet fishing villages steeped in tradition.

Together, we’ll explore the wild, windswept shores of Cumberland Island National Seashore, a remote paradise where nature reigns supreme. Wander through ghostly maritime forests of ancient Live Oaks and towering palms, capturing the haunting beauty of this untouched wilderness.

Whether you're drawn to the haunting allure of forgotten beaches or the quiet majesty of centuries-old trees, this adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories of the South’s wild, unspoiled charm.

Charleston, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas offer an exceptional variety of photographic opportunities, blending historic charm, coastal beauty, and Southern hospitality into one picture-perfect destination. Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of downtown Charleston or venturing into the serene Lowcountry landscape, there are countless spots where you can capture the essence of this iconic Southern city. Below are some of the best photography highlights in and around Charleston.

Workshop Leg Number One - Charleston, SC & surrounding locations

1. Historic Downtown Charleston

Charleston's historic district is an absolute treasure trove for photographers. From the iconic Rainbow Row—a series of beautifully restored pastel-colored homes—to the stately Battery with its antebellum mansions overlooking the harbor, the city is packed with opportunities for capturing timeless architecture. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll find charming squares, intricately detailed ironwork, and lush gardens, making every corner of the downtown area a potential shot.

2. Angel Oak Tree (Angel Oak Park)

Located in Angel Oak Park in nearby Johns Island, the Angel Oak is an awe-inspiring Southern live oak believed to be around 400-500 years old. Its sprawling branches and enormous trunk make it a striking subject for any nature or landscape photographer. The light filtering through its branches can create mesmerizing patterns, especially during the golden hour.

4. Folly Beach

A short drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach offers miles of sandy shores and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the historic city center. The Folly Beach Pier is an iconic spot to capture sunsets over the Atlantic, while the beach itself provides a wide-open canvas for landscape and coastal photography.

5. Charleston Tea Garden (Wadmalaw Island)

The Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island, just 20 miles from downtown Charleston, is the only working tea plantation in North America. The lush green rows of tea bushes, set against the backdrop of the Lowcountry landscape, offer a different perspective from the city's architecture and coastline. Photographers will enjoy capturing the geometric patterns of the fields, the vibrant green hues of the leaves, and the scenic rural environment.

6. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Another nearby plantation worth visiting is Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, located just outside Charleston. Founded in 1676, Magnolia offers an incredible mix of gardens, a historic house, and swamp land. The meticulously maintained Romantic Garden features blooming azaleas, camellias, and magnolias during springtime, offering an explosion of color that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding oak trees.

10. Edisto Island

Just south of Charleston, Edisto Island is a quieter, more secluded spot for photographers. The island’s unspoiled beaches, marshlands, and charming coastal cottages offer a tranquil environment to capture the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Its serene atmosphere and slower pace provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the simple elegance of rural life.

Charleston and its surrounding areas are a paradise for photographers, with a perfect blend of coastal landscapes, Southern plantation history, and charming architecture. Whether you’re drawn to the colorful streets of downtown Charleston or the peaceful expanses of the Lowcountry, you’ll find an endless array of subjects to inspire your next shoot. From historic landmarks to tranquil nature reserves, there’s no shortage of beauty to capture in this picturesque corner of the South.

Workshop leg number two - Brunswick, Georgia and surroung areas

Brunswick, Georgia, and its surrounding coastal areas are rich in history, natural beauty, and Southern charm, making it an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts. Located on the southeastern coast, Brunswick serves as a gateway to the Golden Isles, a collection of barrier islands that includes St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Sea Island. These islands, along with Brunswick itself, offer a diverse array of photographic opportunities, from historic architecture to pristine beaches, marshlands, and wildlife. Below are some of the top photography highlights in and around Brunswick, Georgia:

1. Historic Downtown Brunswick

Brunswick's historic downtown area, with its tree-lined streets and charming early 20th-century architecture, is a picturesque setting for street and architectural photography. The city is known for its Victorian-era buildings, including beautiful storefronts, brick facades, and intricate ironwork. Photographers can capture the vibrant atmosphere of the downtown area, especially during the golden hour when the soft light enhances the colors of the buildings and streets.

2. St. Simons Island

Just a short drive from Brunswick, St. Simons Island is one of Georgia’s most beloved barrier islands, offering a stunning mix of natural beauty and history. The island’s wide, sandy beaches, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and historic landmarks make it a perfect destination for photographers.

3. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s most famous barrier islands, is rich in natural beauty and history. The island features marshes, beaches, and historic estates, all of which are perfect for a variety of photography styles. Whether you’re shooting wildlife, landscapes, or the stunning architecture of the island’s former private clubhouses, Jekyll Island offers endless possibilities.

4. Little St. Simons Island

Accessible only by boat, Little St. Simons Island is one of Georgia’s least developed and most tranquil barrier islands. The island is known for its pristine beaches, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife. Its remote location offers the perfect opportunity for capturing natural beauty in an unspoiled setting.

• Notable Features:
  • Untouched Beaches: Little St. Simons is known for its long stretches of quiet, undeveloped beaches, making it ideal for capturing seascapes, tidal pools, and natural patterns in the sand.
  • Wildlife Photography: The island is home to various bird species, dolphins, and other wildlife, providing ample opportunities for nature photographers.
  • Marshland and Tidal Creeks: The island’s salt marshes offer stunning reflections at sunrise and sunset.

5. Cumberland Island National Seashore

Though it’s a bit further from Brunswick (accessible by ferry), Cumberland Island is well worth the trip for any photographer. As one of Georgia’s most untouched and beautiful islands, Cumberland Island National Seashore is home to wild horses, ancient oak trees, and pristine beaches. Photographers can capture the island's serene landscapes and abundant wildlife in a setting that feels frozen in time.

• Notable Features:
  • Wild Horses: The island’s wild horses roam freely, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife photography.
  • Dungeness Ruins: The ruins of the Dungeness Mansion, surrounded by lush vegetation and moss-draped oaks, provide a stunning backdrop for architectural and nature shots.
  • Marshes and Beaches: Cumberland’s salt marshes and beautiful beaches offer a wide variety of landscapes to photograph, including tidal pools and stunning sunset shots.

7. Glynn County Marshes and Rivers

Brunswick is surrounded by beautiful marshes and rivers, which are perfect for nature and landscape photography. The Altamaha River, Satilla River, and the expansive salt marshes offer opportunities for dramatic water and sky shots, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a soft glow over the water and marsh grasses.

• Best Features:
  • Sunrise and Sunset Shots: The soft light on the water, combined with the unique marshland textures, creates striking images.
  • Wildlife: The marshes are home to diverse species of birds, including herons, egrets, and pelicans, making them great spots for bird photography.

In and around Brunswick, Georgia, photographers will find a perfect mix of coastal landscapes, historic architecture, rich wildlife, and serene natural beauty. Whether capturing the quiet charm of downtown Brunswick, the untamed landscapes of Cumberland Island, or the stunning beaches of the Golden Isles, there are endless photographic opportunities to explore in this enchanting part of the Southeastern U.S.

This workshop will involve easy to moderate activities, with no challenging hikes or climbs. Most locations will be at sea level, with minimal elevation change. We will take a ferry to Cumberland Island, where we’ll spend the day walking with gear, water, and a packed lunch. Please note, there is no motorized transportation on the island.

Day One: Meet & Greet starting at 2pm followed by a trip out to photograph an old graveyard surrounded by live oaks and spanish moss. Afterwards we will head over to photograph the Ravanell Bridge at twilight.

Day Two: We will be up and out extra early to travel to Botany Bay to photograph the Bobe Yard Beach at sunrise and the golden houyr followed by photographing a classic Live Oak lines lane on the island. After our sunrise shoot, we will return to the hotel for a short break for brunch and then spend the remainder of the day photographing the charming and beautiful Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. We will then head out to a remote plantation to photograph one of the most beautuful Oak Land Tunnells in all of the south.

Day Three: You be able tyo catch a little extra sleep this morning as we will ghather for breakfast at 8am in the hotel before checking out and gheading south into Georgia. We will check into our hotel around 2pm and then go out to explore and photograph downtown Savanah on foot until after dark.

Day Four: In the morning we will head over to Wormsloe Plantation to photograph a Live Oak Linbed Plantation Road. Back to the hotel for a quick breakfast and then checkout at 11am. We will head south to our next stay in Brunswick Georgia, check in and then have an afternoon class session on image development before heading out to photograph a fleet on Shrimp Boats at sunset.

Day Five: We will be up extra early to capture sunrise on the Boneyard Beach at Jekyll Island and then do some drone photogrtaphy of the marshes surrounding the island. In the afternoon, we will have another class session on image development and prepping images for print. In the afternoon, we will head back to Jekyll Iland to photograph the Boneyard beach again at sunset.

Day Six: We will be heading down to St\. Mary, Georgia to catch the 9:00am ferry to Cumberland Island where we will hike along the old pathways and trails on the island under the most mysterios forest of Live Oaks and palms. We catch the return ferry at 4:45pm and willarrive back to St. Maty arounf 6:15 in time to have a final group dinner at a delicious seafood restruant onn the water. Workshop concludes after dinner.

A non-refundable deposit of 500.00 USD is required to secure a space on this workshop. Final payment is due 60 days prior to the start of this workshop. There is no refund after the final payment has been made (unless we can fill your spot). Please see our cancellation policy for more detailed information.